comparison of alternative cage-free … · two large product families (contd.) 1.-original design...
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Two Main Product Families for Cage-Free
Systems:-
1.0 Original-design cage free modules and
aviaries
• Designed from basics as cage-free.
• Key features:
• Allows for bird movement
• True nests with protected egg belt
2.0 Cage-based systems
• Adaptations of enriched-module designs
• Key features:
• Limited movement of the flock
• Enclosure-type nests with cage-type
egg belts
Two Large Product Families (contd.)
1.-Original Design cage-free/aviaries
1.1-Confinement Systems
1.1.1-With inspection aisles
(accessible to workers only)
1.1.2-Without inspection aisles
1.2-Open Systems
1.1.1-Confinement With Inspection Aisles (contd.)Pros
• Allows for confinement after transfer to allow the flock
to orient to nests, feed and water (training)
• Allows for confinement in the early morning leading
up to peak production
• Optimal bird movement
• True nest with protected belt
These features yield the fewest non-nest eggs
• Worker friendly inspection aisles
• Advantageous with flighty pullets
• Easiest cage free system to manage
• Well proven design
Cons
• One certifying agency objects to doors
1.1.1-Confinement With Inspection Aisles (contd.)
Advantages of confinement at the onset of
production• Easy transition of flocks from pullet rearing to
production
• Pullets rapidly learn to access nests, feed and water,
results in fewer floor eggs, hence higher saleable
production
• When confined, hens can move up and down the
tiers through inside access. They can express every
natural behavior, including scratching and dust -
bathing on staircase of the system
• When confined, aisles can be much more easily
prepared before release of the flock
• Less dust during routine management enhances
conditions for workers
1.1.1-Confinement With Inspection Aisles (contd.)Advantages of locking birds in for a few hours in the morning
• Direct birds towards nests, drinking and feeding activities
This promotes a higher proportion of saleable eggs laid in
nests
• While confined, hens can move up and down the tiers
through the inside access allowing expression of natural
behaviors, including scratching and dust bathing on
staircase of the system
• When the flock is confined, aisles can be inspected and
worked on easily
• Convenient to retrieve floor eggs which enhances food
safety and limits future floor-laying
• Easier to control litter moisture and texture
• More acceptable environmental conditions for workers
1.1.2-Confinement Without Inspection Aisles (contd.)
Pros
• Allows for confinement to the system at the
beginning of cycle for more effective training
• Allows for confinement early in the morning
leading to peak production
• Optimal hen movement
• True nest with protected belt
• These features yield a low proportion of non-
nest eggs
• Well proven design
Cons
• One certifying agency objects to doors
1.1.-Original Design Aviaries with Confinement –
For Cage Free Certification
Assuming an objection to doors: There will be no control
of how long the birds will be confined”
Practical Response:
• Connect opening mechanism to computer
• Computer will determine times to release
flock
• Computer records the frequency and duration
of opening and closing of doors.
• Door operation can be monitored remotely by
certifying agency at any time
1.2-Open Systems (contd.)
Pros
• Optimal bird movement
• True nest with protected belt• These features contribute to a high proportion of
eggs laid in nests
• Easiest open cage-free system to manage
• Meets all cage-free certification requirements
• Well proven design
Cons
• System does not allow confinement of pullets
after transfer
2.0-Cage-Based Systems (contd.)
Pros
• Simple design
• Potentially lower cost per hen, with
regard to the total investment in the
equipment and building. This is due
to the area of the non-dedicated egg
belts which are available to the flock.
• Cage free certification should not be
a limitation.
2.0-Cage-Based Systems (contd.)
Cons• More restricted flock movement
(especially vertically) than original design
• Enclosure-type nests are less attractive to
birds
• Covers over egg belts accumulate
manureThese factors can result in more floor laying reducing
the proportion of saleable eggs due to “dirties”
• Limited experience under commercial
application compared to original design
aviaries
• Potential objections from certifying
agencies and customers in the future
because these system too closely resemble
a cage.
Many variations of cage-free systems are
available.
Alternative systems may:-
• Allow for flock access underneath the system
• Incorporate a manure scraper underneath the
system
• Be compatible with two or three story
buildings, allowing for high density per floor
area and accordingly economy in
construction.
• Accommodate two- to four-tier configuration
depending on the design of the house,
whether new or a retrofit